International Paper Splits, Oil Giants Merge, Colombian LNG Tender, Israeli Hostage Release, Rugby Squad Call-Ups, Oil Market Oversupply, Swiss Price Pressure, US-India Coal Talks

excerpt: International Paper plans to split into two listed companies, Coterra and Devon Energy are in merger talks, Colombia's pipeline operator seeks LNG imports, an Israeli hostage shares his story, Wales announces Six Nations squad, Bloomberg investigates oil market oversupply, Swiss price pressures remain stable, US and India discuss coal trade.

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International Paper, a global packaging and paper company, announced its intention to split into two independent, publicly traded companies. Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail explained the decision, stating that the move would unlock shareholder value and create more focused businesses. Meanwhile, in the oil and gas sector, Coterra Energy and Devon Energy were reportedly in advanced merger talks, which, if successful, would result in one of the largest deals in the industry.

In energy news, Colombia's largest pipeline operator, Ecopetrol, disclosed plans to launch a global tender for long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, as part of its efforts to construct a new import terminal.

Elsewhere in the world, Israeli hostage Sasha Troufanov, who was held captive in Gaza for nearly 500 days, shared his harrowing experience in his first international interview. In sports, Wales added four-cap Rhys Davies to its Six Nations squad, while Red Roses head coach John Mitchell extended his contract through to the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Bloomberg Originals released a weekly documentary exploring the reasons behind the world's oil market oversupply and its implications for the future. In other news, Swiss National Bank President Martin Schlegel reported that the country's inflation situation remained unchanged from the previous year.

At the Goa Energy Summit, the United States and India discussed expanding their coal trade, considering both nations view coal as crucial for energy security.

Sources:

1. Bloomberg - International Paper planning split into two publicly traded companies
2. People familiar with the matter - Coterra, Devon Energy in merger talks
3. Reuters - Colombia's Ecopetrol to launch global tender for LNG imports
4. BBC - 'I can breathe again': Israeli hostage held for nearly 500 days in Gaza
5. BBC Sport - Wales call up Rhys Davies for Six Nations squad
6. Bloomberg - Why is there so much oil?
7. BBC - John Mitchell extends England contract, Emily Scarratt joins coaching staff
8. Bloomberg - Wall Street's stamp of legitimacy fuels suspected pump-and-dumps
9. Bloomberg - Swiss price pressures have barely changed, SNB’s Schlegel says
10. Reuters - US, India discuss expanding coal trade at Goa Energy Summit.